Welcome to the Michigan Planners Family

To ensure the highest level of service, knowledge, and expertise, two additional team members have been added to the Michigan Planners family!

Joellen Wright, Market Development and Retention

Joellen joins our team as a Market Development and Retention Expert, responsible for managing and expanding statewide client service within the banking industry. She will have direct involvement in providing healthcare recommendations, long-term strategic plans, and benefit improvement initiatives.

For 27 years, Joellen has led the Michigan Bankers Association’s (MBA) Service Corporation’s Employee Benefits Division. During her time with the MBA, she has provided healthcare consultation to banks throughout the state. Both well-connected and highly respected, her relationships and industry knowledge have resulted in long-term client tenure and growth for the MBA. Her down-to-earth demeanor, a knack for details, and client-focused attitude will bring great value to all of our banking clients!

Connie Youker, PHR, SHRM-CP, Client Services

Connie joins our team as a Client Service Representative, assisting our Traverse City office with customer service requests, employee engagement, customer onboarding, and renewal administration. She will also be available for HR questions and guidance. A familiar face within the HR banking community, Connie spent the last 14 years with Traverse City State Bank and served on the bank’s Senior Management Team as Senior Vice President of HR. On a daily basis, she drove change management, training, compensation, and organizational performance. She ensured that all hiring practices and engagement goals were met.

With the recent merger of Independent Bank and Traverse City State Bank, she will be assisting both banks through the initial transition, alongside her duties at Michigan Planners. We are expected to have her undivided attention by mid-July!

Jill Elhart, Client Services

With the addition of Connie to our Traverse City office, Jill’s primary responsibilities will focus on membership processing, development of benefit booklets and enrollment forms, and Summary Plan Description and Section 125 document creation. Michigan Planners is also adding an additional claims representative out of our Metro-Detroit office to help expedite employee claim inquiries! STAY TUNED!

For questions, please contact our Designer of Opportunities Laura Van Houtte at (810) 305 – 0845. Also, inquire about our upcoming webinars!